Aside from the disastrous VDue, Bimota’s stock-in-trade was wrapping lightweight frames and fantastically exotic bodywork around reliable powertrains from established manufacturers. The magical formula that led to bikes like the Bimota SB6 seems so simple, it’s a wonder it took so long for other manufacturers to catch on: wrap too much engine in too little…
Starting with their DB1, obviously, and continuing through the present day, Bimota has a long history of using Ducati engines in their bikes. And while other Ducati-powered Bimotas have generally used the torquey but relatively low-power air-cooled versions of their classic v-twin, this Bimota DB7 is powered by the liquid-cooled, four-valve Testastretta version, which gives…
Given the Bimota SB8R’s exotic reputation, you might be surprised to learn just how affordable they can be. They’re one of the most commonly-seen Bimotas and offer up Ducati noise and performance with looks that you’d never confuse with anything else. The slightly odd styling certainly matches the exotic brand and the bike uses Suzuki’s…
A practical, naked standard, the DB6 Delirio is a pretty far cry from Bimota’s roots. The company made its name building barely streetable racebikes with lightweight trellis frames, wild styling, improved suspension, and a raft of racebike details. The DB6 definitely has top-shelf suspension and innovative details, but it was designed as Bimota’s “entry-level” model.…
In development and production since 1991 but still looking like the future, Bimota’s Tesi 3/D might be the ultimate attention-getter. The 3/D improved Tesi handling and production techniques, and uses the Ducati 1100DS engine, light and good for 95 hp. Number 23 of just 29 2008’s, this Tesi is light ridden with 2,250 miles and…
Bimota sportbikes tend to get a bad rap at RSBFS as they are inherently rare, but they’re always available for sale as well. This particular example isn’t your garden variety SB6R though. This is the YB9 which utilizes Yamaha’s FZR600 engine. The seller notes that only 145 examples were produced worldwide making it very rare…
It took Bimota 10 years to come home to Ducati for an engine, and after the DB1, nearly ten more for the DB2. Worth waiting for, the 904cc desmodue was a great powerplant, good power and torque from a not overly complicated engine. This 1994 model is a totally collectible serial number 001. 1994 Bimota…
The DB1 was the quintessential Bimota, packaging a reliable Italian powerplant into a lightweight package with excellent handling… Wait, what? Actually, in spite of what you might expect, the belt-driven, SOHC Pantah engine is very reliable when properly maintained, and can be tuned to make good power. Sure, the 75 claimed horses don’t sound like…